What Does Being “In Denial” Actually Mean?
Acceptance of a painful reality is a process and takes time. If it's happening to you, be open to the truth and gentle with yourself. If it's happenin…
Allies in Recovery
Bribes, Incentives, and Positive Reinforcement – Part 2
In this follow-up to her post on incentives, bribes and reinforcing, Laurie MacDougall shares her "One and Done" approach. Read on for a practical and…
Bribes, Incentives, and Positive Reinforcement – Part 1
A family member writes in wondering about rewarding her loved one for attending a few recovery group meetings. Guest author and recovery enthusiast La…
The Power of Language
Laurie MacDougall discusses the dramatic impact that language has on our discussions of Substance Use Disorder. Let's work together to reduce stigma, …
Denial About Addiction – Will My Son See the Truth?
A member wonders if her son will ever come to terms with what he's put the family through. Read Annie Highwater's inspiring response which offers stre…
I Wish I Could Hire Someone to Help Her Handle Life in Early Recovery
Early recovery can feel as shaky and chaotic as life before recovery as a loved one struggles to keep up with everything, from drug testing and appoin…
Benzos, Recovery, And my Own Experience
Our Allies member has mixed feelings about the klonopin her son is taking. His psychiatrist however is not concerned as long as it's being taken as pr…
She’s Back Home With a Daybed and Locker
Her daughter is back at home after violating probation and a few months of active use. It's a shock to see her daughter in this state again. But she i…
Rewards For Today or Consequences For Yesterday
She's thankful her loved one is no longer using, but his finances are a mess. Should she allow natural consequences for his past use even if it means …
Drug Testing at Home?
Guest blogger, Laurie MacDougall responds to a member explaining what she and her husband did when they let their son move back home to work on his re…